preview

The Theories Of Natural Selection

Better Essays
Open Document
Natural selection is most often used in the area of the natural sciences, but can apply to other fields. The knowledge question, how does knowledge develop over time? will be explored within the context of history and the natural sciences. Natural selection will be defined, in the context of this investigation as, knowledge progresses as evidence is discovered and verified. Thus the theories that have persisted in a particular subject are the most accurate ones, supported by plentiful evidence.
History relies upon evidence from an earlier time period, both in artifacts and primary source documents. New theories about the fate of the colonists at Roanoke have developed after the rediscovery of the Dare Stones. Louis Hammond discovered the first…show more content…
Science supports evidence collected through experimentation with observations from the natural world. When Eris, a larger object than Pluto, was discovered in 2003, scientists redefined the definition of a planet (Dunbar). Questions were raised about our solar system, including what is a planet? and how does a planet differ from other masses in our solar system? Sensory perception changed the language used in astronomy. At the 26th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union three definitions for a planet were proposed. The final decision included three requirements: to be in orbit around the Sun to have enough gravity to pull itself into a spherical shape, and to have “cleared the neighborhood” of its orbit. Pluto meets the first two requirements but not the last one. It is not the “dominant gravitational body” in its orbit ("Why Pluto Is No Longer a Planet."). Because scientists had never seen anything larger than Pluto in its orbit, they concluded that it conformed to the definition of a planet. Only when more evidence was discovered did it become necessary to more rigidly decide the characteristics of a planet. Sensory perception changes the knowledge about our solar system. Linguistic determinism, the idea that language shapes our knowledge of the world, is present throughout the Pluto dilemma. Our knowledge of Pluto is determined by the language used to define…show more content…
Despite the evidence of evolution, many people belonging to strict religious faiths do not accept it as part of their scientific knowledge. They primarily rely upon their faith, even in a subject largely dominated by reason. Therefore, any evidence presented will be filtered through a colored lens. This results in confirmation bias, the tendency to accept only evidence that supports one’s presumptions. Thus the validity of certain pieces of evidence may conflict with the knower’s own perspective which must be taken into account to attain a full picture of that discipline. My own faith led me to approach evolution from a narrow minded point of view until recently. When I began to search for true knowledge I came to an understanding about the nature of evolution. I am currently exploring the idea that faith and reason do not have to conflict. Both ways of knowing give a more complete understanding of the universe. So although a specific way of knowing may support a certain theory, other ways can contrast with the knowledge presented. This adds an essential condition to the thesis, that the validity of the evidence is determined based on acceptance by a vast majority of the community within that field. It is not necessary for everyone to agree with an idea, only the greater part of the community of individuals knowledgeable in the field. Additionally, reasons for certain historical events are
Get Access
Related
Get Access